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The Program in Anthropology & Sociology:

The Anthropology & Sociology program is designed to promote an integrated understanding of biography, history, culture, and social dynamics in both traditional and modern societies. Anthropology explores the full range of human experience by introducing students to the study of tribal and peasant societies and to the complexities of stratified industrial societies such as our own. Sociology studies the intricacies of modern industrial states and the dilemmas that confront the individual in a mass society. Both disciplines introduce students to classical and contemporary theories that illuminate the contours and contradictions of social experience. BA degrees in Anthropology or Sociology lend themselves to a range of career opportunities, some of which are described here.

Requirements for a major in Anthropology or Sociology

  1. Core Courses - majors must take a sequence of four core courses:
    • For Anthropology majors: ANTH 101 The Scope of Anthropology
    • For Sociology majors: SOC 101 Invitation to Sociology
    • Both majors: ANSO 205 Ways of Knowing
    • Both majors: ANSO 305 Social Theory
    • Both majors: ANSO 402 Senior Seminar
  2. Elective Courses: majors must take five electives from the course listings in their respective disciplines or from joint ANSO listings. Two of the courses are normally at the 300 level or above.

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors are awarded only to students who complete a senior thesis judged to be of outstanding quality.

Information on the prerequisites associated with thesis work.

A handy checklist for juniors contemplating thesis work.

More information regarding the ANSO curriculum may be found in this year's Course Catalog, which is available online as well as in print. To access the Catalog online, please go to the Registrar's Office list of ANSO courses.

Department of Anthropology & Sociology
Stetson Hall, Williamstown, MA 01267
Site last updated 7 March 2008
Williams College
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